Silver Filigree Collection

Intricacy and delicacy combine with repetition to create this silvered meditation on the nature of beauty. The word filigree derives from the Latin words “filum” for thread and “granum” for seed. The filigree pattern adorning our cover was originally designed and handcrafted in Germany circa 1800. To achieve the gilded and polished motif, a base layer of silver sheets was first die cut, and elaborate grooves were then meticulously etched into its surface.

The art of filigree is a moving testament to the human drive to ornament in order to delight the eye and the spirit. One can imagine a magistrate in ancient times carrying such a book and using it to keep a record of matters of state as easily as one can see it in pride of place on a well-appointed contemporary desk.

Baroque Ventaglio Collection

Where better to pen a magnum opus than inside this magnificent example of “a ventaglio” (fan) binding? Our reproduction of giltwork melting over red and brown Moroccan leather shrouds unadorned pages that make space for chronicling events of the day or recording elaborate fictions.

Our covers display at their centre a rose window surrounded by a design of slight Eastern influence and in each corner a filigree fan – the window quartered. An intricate ornamentation typical of Italian and Spanish Baroque, the geometrically compartmentalised design finds its inspiration in the French style “à la fanfare,” which gained popularity during the first half of the 17th century. Characterised by a celebration of ornate detail, Baroque decoration draws interest to deep symbolism couched in opulence.

These richly layered, decadent journals are an ideal place to preserve inspired contemplations.

Grolier Ornamentali Collection

Jean Grolier (1479–1565) was among history’s most discerning collectors of beautiful boks and the first to develop a unique ornamental style of designs that became one of the most emulated worldwide. Although French, he preferred that his bindings follow the design principles of his Italian friend Aldus Manutius, the greatest printer of the Renaissance. The majority of the brilliant works were executed in Paris by two remarkable binding houses. Grolier’s collection of books was split between those he commissioned for himself and those he acquired or was given. At the time of his death, he possessed one of the greatest and most extensive private libraries in the world. Each of his books was of extraordinary quality, in a style described as both “quiet and simple, yet rich and flowing.”

This Grolier Ornamentali series is based on one of his last great commissions, a gold-tooled marbled brown leather creation with an interlaced curving design of single-line fillets and floral tools filling out the six-pointed star.

Find & Buy Paperblanks®

Interested in buying any of these collections or any other Paperblanks® writing journals? Use our Store Finder to find retailers in your area or online retailers who can ship to your location. Find it by clicking here or by going to http://www.paperblanks.com/stores!

New Video: Japanese Lacquer Boxes

2011-11-01

Paperblanks'® Japanese Lacquer Boxes collection of writing journals feature covers that portray masterful examples of 19th-century Japanese Lacquer boxes made during the Edo or Meiji period.

Beauty From Unlikely Sources

The ingenuity and grace of ancient lacquerware creations are celebrated on these book covers. Selected from a private collection in Kyoto, the boxes depicted on the covers are lacquered in the Maki-e tradition, in which sap from the lacquer tree is sprinkled with metallic powder, such as gold, silver or copper, to create luxurious designs. Over the centuries, craftspeople learned to use this sap, which hardens to a brilliant, glossy coating, as a finish to decorate and protect favoured wood and paper objects. These fine lacquered surfaces are evidence of the uniquely human ability to create beauty from unlikely sources.

Find Out More About The Collection

To find out more about this collection - and to see photos of the various boxes that inspired the covers - check out the recent story we posted about it here.

Find & Buy Paperblanks®

Interested in buying any of the Japanese Lacquer Boxes books or any other Paperblanks® writing journals? Use our Store Finder to find retailers in your area or online retailers who can ship to your location. Find it by clicking here or by going to http://www.paperblanks.com/stores!